EAST HARTFORD CONN: (JMU Athletics) – James Madison went on the road for the final time in the 2026 regular season, falling to UConn, 46-22, on Saturday afternoon at Rentschler Field.

It marked the Dukes’ first loss in regulation this season and dropped the squad to 8-3. With the win, the Huskies improved to 5-5.

UConn opened the game with a 28-yard field goal to take early lead. Then, the Dukes orchestrated a 14-play, 79-yard scoring drive on their opening offensive possession. Quarterback JC Evans punched in a 1-yard run after completing passes of 19, 17 and 14 yards, respectively.

However, the Huskies returned the ensuing kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown to retake the lead at 10-6.

Midway through the second quarter, JMU capitalized on a missed UConn field goal. Evans hit wide receiver Braeden Wisloski for a 16-yard touchdown to finish off a 78-yard drive. That gave the Dukes a 13-10 lead with 2:02 to go before halftime.

Wisloski finished with a season-high seven catches for 75 yards and the score on the day.

The lead wouldn’t last long, though. Shortly after the two-minute warning, the Huskies hit a 67-yard touchdown pass to retake the lead at 17-13. The hosts added a 21-yard field goal as time expired to own a seven-point advantage at halftime.

From there, UConn made it a two-score game with 55 seconds to play in the third quarter with a 9-yard touchdown run to make it 26-13.

The fourth quarter opened with a 36-yard field goal by kicker Morgan Suarez – his 18th of the season – to close the gap to 26-16. But the Huskies responded with a quick touchdown – a 35-yard pass play – to make it 33-16 with 10:42 to go in the game.

UConn scored again at the 5:44 mark on a 2-yard touchdown pass, giving the Huskies a 39-16 advantage. In the final minutes, Evans scored his second rushing touchdown of the day with a 3-yard run, before the Huskies added one more score late.

Evans completed 27 of his 42 passes for 236 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He added 49 yards on 17 carries with two more scores.

Defensively, safety Seth Gathers led the Dukes with 10 tackles and a TFL. Linebacker Nakian Jackson added nine more stops, including a sack.

UConn held a 504-331 advantage in yards on Saturday. The Dukes also were penalized 13 times for 138 yards.

Up next, JMU plays host to Coastal Carolina in the regular-season finale on Saturday, Nov. 28, at Bridgeforth Stadium. Kickoff time is to be determined.